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Obama Vows New US Resolve on Climate Change

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 22, 2009 10:17 AM CDT
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(AP) – President Obama declared the United States a serious partner in combating global warming today, telling world leaders at the UN, "We understand the gravity of the climate threat. We are determined to act. And we will meet our responsibility to future generations." In brief remarks at a high-level climate summit convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, he said, "The journey is hard. And we don't have much time left to make it."

Obama acknowledged that the US has been slow to respond to the threat of climate change, and sought to show new US resolve ahead of crucial talks in Copenhagen in December. He also signaled a break from his predecessor, who downplayed the issue. He spoke at the start of a busy day of diplomacy that also was to include a three-way meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an effort to nudge forward the Mideast peace process.

President Barack Obama addresses the United Nations climate change summit, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at the United Nations headquarters.
President Barack Obama addresses the United Nations climate change summit, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at the United Nations headquarters.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
U.S. President Barack Obama addresses the Summit on Climate Change, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon listens at the United Nations.
U.S. President Barack Obama addresses the Summit on Climate Change, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon listens at the United Nations.   (Richard Drew)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, and United States Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice wait for President Barack Obama's address during the Summit on Climate Change, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at the United Nations.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, and United States Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice wait for President Barack Obama's address during the Summit on Climate Change, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009,...   (Charles Dharapak)
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shakes hands with President Barack Obama after he addressed the United Nations climate change summit, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at the United Nations headquarters.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shakes hands with President Barack Obama after he addressed the United Nations climate change summit, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at the United Nations headquarters.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama addresses the Summit on Climate Change at the United Nations in New York Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009.
President Barack Obama addresses the Summit on Climate Change at the United Nations in New York Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Konishi Taro, Japan Pool)
President Barack Obama addresses the Summit on Climate Change at the United Nations in New York Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009.
President Barack Obama addresses the Summit on Climate Change at the United Nations in New York Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Tsutomu Kobayashi, Japan Pool)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
Derni
Sep 22, 2009 6:16 AM CDT
As most sicentists have said-we have global warming-wheter you attribute it to the cyclical nature of our planet or use of co2 gases and pollution-it doesn't matter-and thenext war -could be around 2050 or later-will be over water and food-both resources are due to become scarce in China and other countries overseas-two wealthy Americans bought thosands of acres-and guess whats sitting under that land-yes huge water tables-filled with fresh water-do your honework-these two guys did and will reap big bucks-even if we die off in the process.
doingtherightthing
Sep 22, 2009 5:30 AM CDT
the Obama and Al Gore scam to steal your money trolls. 200 billion a year for cap'n'trade just to make them more powerful. There is "no" global warming, there is "no" healthcare crisis. You trolls are like a reed in the wind, you blow in any direction....... We still have four seasons. The sun comes up in the east and sets in the west. Summer is hot and winter is cold....... There's a mindset trap in your heads that says; whatever Obama says is so.......leftwing trolls with nose rings you be.........
ChickenChopper
Sep 22, 2009 5:23 AM CDT
"Sorry, conservatives just need to **feel** that its true and viola! it is." 'birthing', 'deathing' 'palin as pres', the list goes on .... total comedy T2K

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climate change • United Nations • Ban Ki-moon • President Obama

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